Magnetic Bearings Proceedings of the First International Symposium, ETHG Zurich, Switzerland, June 6–8, 1988

Magnetic Bearings are bearings where the suspension forces are generated magnetically without any contact. The advantages to modern machinery are obvious: no mechanical wear, no lubrication, potential for high rotor speed, accuracy, and high dynamic performance, new constructional solutions to a classical problem in machine dynamics. The realization of such bearings is in rapid progress. Examples for application areas are turbomachinery, centrifuges, vacuum techniques, machine tool spindles, chemical industry, medical devices, robotics, high speed drives, spacecraft equipment, con tactless actuators, vibration isolation. The Symposium is demonstrating the current state of the art in this developing field of mechatronics, showing actual research efforts, reporting on applications in the various areas, and discussing open questions. The main purpose of the Symposium has been to establish a common information basis for people working on magnetic bearings. It will point to promising areas, and it will help to facilitate decisions on research and development projects, and on investments for applications.